Nagpur Woman's Life Altered Forever by Brutal Stray Bull Assault
A month has passed since a terrifying incident in Sanman Nagar, Nagpur, where a stray bull brutally attacked 64-year-old Vandana Devikar outside her residence. Today, she remains confined to her bed, dependent on oxygen support, while her family grapples with profound emotional distress and escalating medical costs. The attack occurred on the morning of January 27, around 7:30 AM, as Devikar was performing her routine task of sweeping the front area of her home.
Severe Injuries and Prolonged Medical Ordeal
The assault left Devikar with multiple fractures, broken ribs, and critical brain injuries. Following the incident, she spent nearly three weeks in the intensive care unit before undergoing a complex brain surgery. Currently, she is receiving care at home, where the family has installed essential medical equipment, including oxygen support, to manage her condition. Doctors have indicated that the brain injury is severe, and her recovery remains uncertain, casting a shadow of uncertainty over her future health.
Family's Emotional and Financial Struggles
Purvi Devikar, the daughter-in-law, described the harrowing moment: "We never imagined something like this could happen right outside our house. Within seconds, the bull charged at her and kept tossing her. It was horrifying." The family has already expended lakhs of rupees on hospitalization, surgery, and post-hospital care. Purvi added, "Our entire life changed in a moment. She was active, independent, and managed the house. Now, she can neither move nor speak. We are doing everything possible to keep her stable." Compounding their distress, the family alleges that no senior civic officials or local elected representatives have visited them, leaving them feeling abandoned and unsupported.
Public Outrage and Civic Response
The attack sparked significant public outrage, prompting the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's veterinary department to capture three bulls from the locality over the past month, including one apprehended recently. However, residents claim that the specific bull responsible for the attack continued to roam the area for weeks, instilling fear among locals, especially senior citizens. This incident underscores the persistent menace of stray cattle in urban settings and the perceived lack of sustained preventive measures by authorities. Local residents report that despite numerous complaints about free-roaming bulls, the NMC's actions have been sporadic and insufficient.
Broader Implications for Urban Safety
This tragic event highlights critical issues related to urban safety and animal control. The family's plight serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by citizens due to inadequate management of stray cattle. As the Devikar family continues their battle for recovery and justice, the incident calls for urgent attention from civic bodies to implement more effective and consistent strategies to prevent such occurrences in the future.
